raised from a single plate with polished finish, distinct medial ridge rising to a pear stalk finial, brim with turned edge, deeply struck with armourer’s mark, the embossed brass rivet washers all missing. The stamp is the crowned three bees within shield mark of the Barberini family. Tadeo Barberini (commander of the Papal Army) was also nephew of Maffeo Barberini who became pope Urban VIII in 1623. Provenance: the Papal Armoury, thence London dealer Fenton & Sons Ltd after 1918, thence by descent until sold at auction c.1980’s.